Larry Shenk, Vice President of Alumni Relations, shares his notes, quotes and anecdotes from the world of baseball.

Bucs Foil Chase’s Party

The season is normally 162 games in length. For the Phillies, it almost seems as sif they are having three different seasons this season, WC and WR. WC (With Chase) began last night, leaving 86 games left in that season. WR (With Ryan) is getting closer. If it is after the All-Star Game, that season has 75 games remaining.

Opening day for the WC season was filled with excitement and electricity. That turned up a notch when he homered in his first at-bat, calling for a curtain call. When Chooch followed with another dinger, the place was really jumping.

Two walks and a homer by McHenry in the next inning was like sticking a needle in a balloon. The excitement was sucked right out of the air at Citizens Bank Park as the Pirates romped, survived a late Phillies push and then added on.

Because of the split doubleheader on Sunday, the Phillies turned to the bullpen. Six different relievers worked the game, tossing 183 pitches, 75 out of the strike zone.

Chase’s debut was impressive but the Pirates spoiled the party.

Series finale this afternoon, with the Pirates ace facing Kyle. Then, a charter flight to Miami and the start of nine games against the East leading up to the All-Star Game.

Down On The Farm
**Lehigh Valley lost, 4-3, to Rochester. RHR B. J. Rosenberg (2-1) allowed a run in 3.1 innings for the loss; he struck out 5.

Phlashback
June 28, 1887: Phillies shut out Indianapolis, 24-0, which still ranks as the largest scored in a shutout victory in team history.

June 28, 1994: LHP Fernando Valenzuela, signed out of the Mexican League, makes his debut for the Phillies with a no-decision in a 2-1 loss to Florida. Valenzuela allows an unearned run on six hits in six innings.

June 28, 2004: 3B David Bell hits for the cycle in 14-6 win over Montreal at Citizen Bank Park.

June 28, 2011: LHP Cliff Lee is the third Phillies pitcher to toss three consecutive shutouts (3-0 vs. FL, 6/16; 4-0 at StL, 6/22, 4-0 vs. BOS today). He joins RHP Grover Cleveland Alexander (1916) and (RH) Robin Roberts (1950). Alexander holds club record with 4 in a row in September 1911.

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